Self-propelled sensor apparatus for in situ analysis of enviromental parameters

ABSTRACT

A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of currently pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/908,749 filed May 25, 2005, which is acontinuation of International Application No. PCT/US03/37480, filed Nov.25, 2003 which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/303,522, filed Nov. 25, 2002, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/319,683, filed Dec. 13, 2002, which are all herein incorporated byreference.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

This invention was made with Government support under Grant No.ONR-N0014-98-1-0848 awarded by the Department of the Navy. TheGovernment has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the analysis of biological or chemical,particle or physical species contained in fluid milieus that includetrace amount of the species; more specifically, the invention relates toan analytical system having a conveyance system to convey the analyticalsystem through a liquid medium to collect and/or detect desiredcomponents and a related method of analyzing the collected components.

BACKGROUND

In recent years the presence of contaminants in bodies of water, bothfresh and salt varieties, has become an issue of both public andgovernmental interest. In addition, air quality with respect topollution from industrial or bellicose activities deeply affects thedaily lives of most of the world's population. With the changingpolitical situation in the world as well as concern over contaminationfrom industrial and agricultural activity, a new intense interest hasdeveloped in monitoring water and air sources for pollutants and tracequantities of materials. As technology progresses, it has becomeincreasingly important to know immediately the content of a body ofwater or air, thus necessitating the development of new analyticalsystems to give precise information on the presence and/or quantities ofmicrobial and chemical contaminants.

To date, the available methods and devices have been concerned with“capturing” a sample for transportation to a laboratory for analysisand, in the case of trace quantities, concentration of the suspectspecies for that analysis. In addition, many of the available devicesinclude sophisticated sensors and pumping apparatus that make thedevices cumbersome as well as expensive to assemble and to maintain.Even though towed or tethered samplers are known in the art, their useshave been limited to physical characteristics and not the monitoring ofchemical or biological species.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,316 to Stewart et al. shows a towed underwatersampler having an internal cavity that houses sensor circuits. In thisdevice, water is permitted to flow through the analysis chamber so thattemperature and pressure may be evaluated. However, the sensors here aremeasuring physical parameters and not the chemical or biological contentof the water passing through the sensor cavity. In fact, there is noactual sample reading made by the instrument because only the desiredparameters of temperature and pressure are immediately evaluated, andthe actual sample is captured in a bottle for later analysis.

Another towed sensor system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,967 toOvers et al. Again the sensors are only concerned with physicalproperties—temperature and water speed. The temperature and speed arethen equated to the presence of fish bait, but no information isobtained about any compositional make-up of the environment or thenature of the fish bait itself.

Inner chambers in contaminant sensing devices for water analysis aredescribed previously as well. One example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,938 toBaghel et al. Baghel et al. describes an inner chamber formed by asemi-permeable membrane in communication with an inner chambercontaining a sensor that monitors contaminants in a tethered-styleapparatus. Water diffuses through the membrane until a threshold isreached and then the diffusion is stopped. In this system, the quantityof contaminants is a function of diffusion time and, thus, is controlledby an unpredictable parameter.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,350 to Mereish et al. describes a portable watersampling device that captures the sample in a chamber that is thenremoved and sent to a lab for analysis. The concentration of the sampleis determined as a function of time, because a timer is used todetermine the sample collection period. A pump is also used to force thewater being tested into the system and past the extraction membrane.

Similar devices that incorporate sampling chambers are described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,844,147 to Fiedler et al. and 5,167,802 to Sandstrom et al.Again, the samples are collected and sent to a remote lab for analysis.

In addition to aquatic environments, similar devices have been used inthe atmosphere. Examples of these are U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,609 to Mengelet al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,135 to McGee et al. Again, these systemsinclude suction devices or pumps to facilitate the flow of effluentthrough the monitoring apparatus.

A system for immediate analysis of contaminants in situ is needed toovercome the disadvantages of the previously available systems. There isalso a need for a system that incorporates reliability and sensitivityin performing the necessary analyses that is low-cost and easy tomaintain. It is, therefore, to the provision of such an instrument thatthe instant invention is directed.

SUMMARY

The present invention includes a self-propelled apparatus for analysisof a component contained in a fluid medium. The apparatus includes ananalytical system and a conveyance system to move the analytical systemthrough the fluid medium and facilitate fluid flow through the fluidconduit of the analytical system.

The analytical system includes a fluid inlet that receives fluid fromthe fluid medium and a fluid outlet, which is connected to the fluidinlet via a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit defines a fluid pathway.The fluid outlet dispels at least a portion of the fluid medium receivedby the fluid inlet. The analytical system further includes an analysischamber, which is connected to the fluid conduit and positionedintermediate to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet in the fluidpathway. The analytical system further includes a reagent system locatedwithin the analysis chamber to isolate the component. The analyticalsystem also includes a sensor system, which is positioned within theanalysis chamber and in communication with the fluid pathway, to sensethe component.

The conveyance system may be removably attached to the analyticalsystem. The conveyance system may include a propulsion system.

The self-propelled apparatus may further include a power source locatedwithin the conveyance system for providing power to the analyticalsystem.

The analytical system may further include a means for transferring data.

The self-propelled apparatus may further include a tether connecting theanalytical system and the conveyance system. The tether may be atransmission cable for transmitting data from the analytical system tothe conveyance system. The tether may also be a power cable forproviding power to the analytical system from a power source located inthe conveyance system.

The sensor system may determine the concentration of the component. Thesensor system may be an optical system, an electromechanical system, anelectrical system, a gravitational system, a mass loading system, an iontrap system, a molecular trap system, or a particle trap system. Thesensor system may also include a light source and a detector.

The self-propelled apparatus may also further include a pre-extractorconnected to the fluid inlet of the analytical system to receive fluidfrom the fluid medium and transport the fluid to the fluid inlet.

The self-propelled apparatus may further include a burst reservoirlocated adjacent to the analysis chamber and in fluid communication withthe analysis chamber.

The present invention also includes a method of using the self-propelledapparatus to analyze a component contained in a fluid medium. The methodincludes providing a self-propelled apparatus as described above,introducing the analytical system into the fluid medium to permit theflow of the fluid medium through the analytical system, and recordingdata on the component contained in the fluid medium using the sensorsystem.

The method may further include transmitting data from the analyticalsystem to a remote location. As used herein, the term “remote” meansthat the data is transmitted to an apparatus not in immediate contactwith the analytical system.

The method may also include determining the concentration of thecomponent of the fluid medium.

The method may further include capturing the component contained in thefluid medium in the reagent system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made tothe following detailed description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first configuration of the analytical systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the analysis chamber of the analytical systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a first configuration of the sensor system of theanalytical system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a second configuration of the sensor system ofthe analytical system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a second configuration of the analytical systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the third configuration of the analytical systemon board a projectile according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specificembodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

The present invention includes a submersible, self-propelled apparatusfor analysis of a component contained in a liquid medium. The apparatusincludes an analytical system and a conveyance system to move theanalytical system through the liquid medium and facilitate liquid flowthrough the liquid conduit of the analytical system.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, analytical system 100 includesdetection portion 115 connected to support system 130. In an embodiment,detection portion 115 and support system 130 are encased in a housing(not shown) that may be any suitable housing as known to those ofordinary skill in the art for the environment of use. Detection portion115 and support system 130 may be detachably connected, a single unit,or arranged to allow for reuse of desired components. Any desiredgeometry for the overall system may be chosen by one of ordinary skillin the art. FIG. 1 represents only one embodiment.

Detection portion 115 includes fluid inlet 121 for ingress of the fluidto be examined. Fluid inlet 121 may be co-extensive with the housing,protrude therefrom, or be recessed within the interior confines of thehousing. Pre-extractor 120 may be also present at the proximal end offluid inlet 121 if desired to separate deleterious material fromentering detection portion 115. Detection portion 115 also includesfluid outlet 124, which dispels fluid from detection portion 115. Fluidinlet 121, as well as fluid outlet 124, may be formed of any suitablematerial as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, anon-porous plastic that is inert to the environment can be used.

Fluid inlet 121 is connected to fluid outlet 124 via fluid conduit 190,which defines a fluid pathway. Fluid flows in the direction shown byarrows 180. Fluid is received at pre-extractor 120 (if present) and thenmoves through fluid inlet 121 and analysis chamber 135, and then exitsthrough fluid outlet 124.

Located at the distal end of fluid inlet 121 is first separator 122 thatblocks, at least temporarily, unwanted material from entering analysischamber 135. First separator 122 may be any suitable separator, such asa filter, a screening material, or a semi-permeable membrane. Firstseparator 122 is chosen for the milieu of use and for optimizing theeffectiveness of performing a concentrating and screening function.

Second separator 123 is located in fluid communication with firstseparator 122 with the intermediate portion of the fluid conduitdefining analysis chamber 135. Second separator 123, at leasttemporarily, prevents the component of interest from exiting analysischamber 135. In addition, both first separator 122 and second separator123 may have coatings applied to them to assist in the detection of thecomponent, such as, but not limited to, reflective coatings that enhanceoptical characteristics of the analytical system 100. The fluid ofinterest exits analytical system 100 via fluid outlet 124.

Analysis chamber 135, by virtue of first separator 122 and secondseparator 123, also acts to concentrate the component of interest. Thus,the component of interest is substantially trapped within the confinesof analysis chamber 135 so that sensor system 125 is able to respond toits presence. Sensor system 125 may be designed to respond to athreshold value of the component or may be chosen to actually quantifythe concentration of the component contained in analysis chamber 135. Inaddition, sensor system 125 may be constructed to react to a pluralityof components of interest.

Optionally, burst reservoir 126 may be included in detection portion115. Burst reservoir 126 introduces a chemical enhancement into theanalysis chamber 135 to aid the performance of sensor system 125. If aplurality of analyses are performed, burst reservoir 126 may becompartmentalized and serve to introduce a plurality of enhancements.

Support system 130 includes the electronic components necessary tosupport the function of the sensor system 125. This may include powersupplies, either battery or cable supplied, as well as the supportelectronics necessary to run sensor system 125. In addition, any othernecessary or desired support equipment may also be contained within thisstructure, including, but not limited to, telemetry devices, GPS units,and data storage units. Optionally, the power source and/or othersupport electronics are contained within conveyance system 195.Additionally, the self-propelled apparatus may also include a secondpower source. This second power source may be contained withinconveyance system 195.

The self-propelled apparatus of the present invention further includesconveyance system 195. Analytical system 100 may be removably attachedto conveyance system 195 by line 140. Line 140 may be a tethering lineonly or may also include a means for communication and a power source toanalysis system 100 and means for feedback for the retrieval of data orother information from analysis system 100. For example, line 140 may bea transmission cable for transmitting data from analytical system 100 toconveyance system 195. As another example, line 140 may be a power cablefor providing power to analytical system 100 from a power source locatedon conveyance system 195. Conveyance system 195 itself may be a tether.If conveyance system 195 is a tether, it may be connected to a secondconveyance system (not shown). Any suitable means known to those ofordinary skill in the art may be used for any of the desired embodimentsas described above. Conveyance system 195 may be a watercraft oraircraft of any description, either manned or remote controlled,suitable as a means for transporting analytical system 100 through thefluid to be analyzed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, conveyance system 195 is apropulsion system. The propulsion system may be any either an integralsystem to the overall device or a detachable propulsion system that mayeven be replaceable if the overall system is intended to be reusable.The propulsion system may be a renewable system. Examples of propulsionsystem include, but are not limited to: bullets, artillery shells,torpedoes, drop projectiles, fired projectiles, missiles, and othermunition systems. The propulsion system may also be detachable from theremainder of the apparatus. In addition, telemetry systems may beincluded for relaying the desired data back to a monitoring station. Inone embodiment, analytical system 100 is connected to propulsion system.In another embodiment, analytical system 100 is on-board propulsionsystem 450, as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, as propulsion system450 moves through a fluid medium in the direction shown by arrow 485,fluid flows into and through analysis system 400 in the direction shownby arrows 480.

Conveyance system 195 (and the propulsion system) serves not only totransmit analytical device 100 to the location of interest, but also toprovide the fluid flow within analytical system 100 to effect theanalytical functions. The sampling function may occur while thepropulsion system is actively powering the device, or after thepropulsion system is spent in a free-drift mode.

Additional power sources may also be present for telemetry, GPS,electronic controls and other communication purposes. Furtherinstrumentation may also include receivers, steering devices, and otherground or ship communication devices, so that adjustments may be made tothe flight path of the apparatus after it is deployed. In addition, asecond propulsion system may be incorporated into the apparatus so thatit may be transmitted after a period of time to a further location, suchas a pick-up location. An aerial-type device, such as a kite, balloon,or aircraft, may be used for overland applications. Flotation devicessuch as a watercraft may be used for aquatic applications.

Conveyance system 195 may be detachable so that analytical system 100may be released and gravity acts to propel it through the fluid medium.In this embodiment, telemetry may also be used to transmit the data orother results back to a monitoring station or the analytical system 100may be retrieved. Also contemplated is the use of balloons or kites,with sampling taking place during ascent and travel. If detachable cordsare used, sampling may also occur during gravitational descent.

Because gravity or the motion of conveyance system 195 are used to impelthe flow of fluid through analytical system 100, the need for theauxiliary pumps of the prior art is obviated. This enables the instantdevice to be reduced in size and simplifies the power requirements ofthe analytical system 100. In addition, analysis chamber 135 may be amicro-sized portion of the overall system, so that minute or traceamounts of a component of interest may be captured and detected.

Analysis chamber 135 may be constructed in any geometry necessary toenhance the performance of sensor system 125, the component of interest,and the fluid medium. Three example geometries for an optical sensordetection system are shown in FIGS. 2 through 5. In each of theseexamples, light source 200 emits a light beam through analysis chamber135 to detector 210. Other geometries are also available and areconsidered as design variations to one of ordinary skill in the art,including a linear arrangement as shown in FIG. 5.

In addition to a single detection system, it is contemplated that a flowsplitting arrangement may also be incorporated so that multiple discreetdetections of the same or different component may be madesimultaneously. In addition, either one or both of separators 122 and123 may be omitted depending on the sensor system used. Reagent systemsthat trap the component of interest or assist in the detection of thecomponent may also be used. A diagram of an embodiment using reagenttrap 350 is shown in FIG. 5 in conjunction with a linear, non-membranedetection system 300. Here, reagent trap 350 is used for isolation ofthe desired component.

In addition to optical sensors, various other types of sensors may beemployed. Example sensors include, but are not limited to, electrical,electrochemical, gravimetric, mass loading and ion or molecular andparticle traps. Various configurations of analysis chamber 135 toaccommodate these types are systems are considered within the scope ofknowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, athreshold-type of sensor may also be incorporated into analytical system100, with comparison to a pre-determined level being the output ofchoice.

Modification and variation can be made to the disclosed embodiments ofthe instant invention without departing from the scope of the inventionas described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that theapplications of the present invention herein are varied, and that theinvention is described in one preferred embodiment. Accordingly,additions and modifications can be made without departing from theprinciples of the invention. Particularly with respect to the claims itshould be understood that changes may be made without departing from theessence of this invention. In this regard it is intended that suchchanges would still fall within the scope of the present invention.Therefore, this invention is not limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit andscope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

It will be seen that the advantages set forth above, and those madeapparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained andsince certain changes may be made in the above construction withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatters contained in the foregoing description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall there between.

What is claimed is:
 1. A submersible, self-propelled apparatus foranalysis of a component contained in a liquid medium, the apparatuscomprising: an analytical system comprising a liquid inlet to receiveliquid from the liquid medium, a liquid outlet connected to the liquidinlet via a liquid conduit that defines a liquid pathway, wherein theliquid outlet dispels at least a portion of the liquid medium receivedby the liquid inlet, an analysis chamber connected to the liquidconduit, positioned intermediate to the liquid inlet and the liquidoutlet in the liquid pathway, a reagent system located within theanalysis chamber to isolate the component, and a sensor systempositioned within the analysis chamber and in communication with theliquid pathway to sense the component; and a conveyance system to movethe apparatus through the liquid medium and facilitate liquid flowthrough the liquid conduit when the apparatus is submersed in the liquidmedium.
 2. The self-propelled apparatus of claim 1, wherein theconveyance system comprises a propulsion system.
 3. The self-propelledapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a power source located withinthe conveyance system for providing power to the analytical system. 4.The self-propelled apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conveyance systemis removably attached to the analytical system.
 5. The self-propelledapparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a meansfor transferring data.
 6. The self-propelled apparatus of claim 1,wherein the sensor system determines the concentration of the component.7. The self-propelled apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor system ofthe analytical system is selected from the group consisting of anoptical system, an electrochemical system, an electrical system, agravimetric system, a mass loading system, an ion trap system, amolecular trap system, and a particle trap system.
 8. The self-propelledapparatus of claim 1, wherein the analytical apparatus further comprisesa burst reservoir positioned adjacent to the analysis chamber and inliquid communication with the analysis chamber.
 9. The self-propelledapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a pre-extractor connected tothe liquid inlet of the analytical system to receive liquid from theliquid medium and transport the liquid to the liquid inlet.
 10. Theself-propelled apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a tetherconnected to the analytical system and the conveyance system.
 11. Amethod of analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium using asubmersible, self-propelled apparatus, the method comprising of thesteps: providing a submersible, self-propelled apparatus comprising: ananalytical system comprising a liquid inlet to receive liquid from theliquid medium, a liquid outlet connected to the liquid inlet via aliquid conduit that defines a liquid pathway, wherein the liquid outletdispels at least a portion of the liquid medium received by the liquidinlet, an analysis chamber connected to the liquid conduit, positionedintermediate to the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet in the liquidpathway, a reagent system located within the analysis chamber to isolatethe component, and a sensor system positioned within the analysischamber and in communication with the liquid pathway to sense thecomponent; and a conveyance system to move the apparatus through theliquid medium and facilitate liquid flow through the liquid conduit whenthe apparatus is submersed in the liquid medium introducing theanalytical system into the liquid medium to permit the flow of theliquid medium through the analytical system; and recording data on thecomponent contained in the liquid medium using the sensor system. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein the conveyance system comprises apropulsion system.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the conveyancesystem is removably attached to the analytical system.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the self-propelled apparatus further comprises a powersource located within the conveyance system for providing power to theanalytical system.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein theself-propelled apparatus further comprises a tether connected to theanalytical system and the conveyance system.
 16. The method of claim 11,wherein the self-propelled apparatus further comprises a means fortransmitting data.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:transmitting data from the analytical system to a remote location. 18.The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining theconcentration of the component of the liquid medium.
 19. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the sensor system of the analytical system is selectedfrom the group consisting of an optical system, an electrochemicalsystem, an electrical system, a gravimetric system, a mass loadingsystem, an ion trap system, a molecular trap system, and a particle trapsystem.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the analytical systemfurther comprises a burst reservoir positioned adjacent to the analysischamber and in liquid communication with the analysis chamber.
 21. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the self-propelled apparatus furthercomprises a preextractor connected to the liquid inlet of the analyticalsystem to receive liquid from the liquid medium and transport the liquidto the liquid inlet.
 22. The method of claim 11, further comprising:capturing the component contained in the liquid medium in the reagentsystem.